REHOBOTH BEACH, Del. — Rehoboth Beach Commissioners are expected to take a closer look at how the popular Bandstand Summer Concert Series is managed, as some businesses raise concerns about crowds, street closures, and changing traffic patterns.
During Monday's city workshop, they will discuss the format. According to the meeting agenda, a recent survey shows several businesses reported negative experiences tied to the events, including reduced foot traffic and frustration over nearby streets being blocked off.Â
Business owners along Wilmington Avenue, like Linda DiDomenicis, manager of Sea Finds, say the events are great for the city, but are frustrated with the lack of parking organization.Â
"People were parked in front of our store on Wilmington Avenue, Friday Evening, those same cars were there Saturday morning. There was no place to park in this town," said DiDomenicis.Â
The Bandstand Summer Concert Series has been a staple of Rehoboth Beach since 1963. City officials said attendance peaked at more than 1,500 people during a concert last summer, filling the entire Bandstand area. (Rehoboth Beach.)
City officials say suggested improvements include better public messaging, updated signage and parking meter information, clearer website explanations, and more consistent communication with residents and visitors before and during the summer season.
Other solutions were considered, such as shifting concert dates to weeknights instead of weekends, moving the time of the concert, and even reducing the number of concerts as a whole.
Despite concerns, the Bandstand Summer Concert Series continues to be a major draw for the city. For the 2025 season, concerts are scheduled on Fridays, Saturdays, and Sundays. This past summer, Rehoboth hosted 39 performances over three months, with attendance at the most popular shows often surpassing 1,500 people.
For other businesses, such as The Tea and Spice Exchange of Rehoboth, say, large events help them during the off-season. Hubert Coombs, the assistant manager of The Spice & Tea Exchange of Rehoboth, says each store will be impacted differently, but they've seen success.Â
"It does help; it brings a lot of traffic in. Especially with us being a quaint, intimate store, spices and teas. This is the perfect gift-giving (place) for the holidays." Coombs said.Â
City leaders say planning for the 2026 season is already underway, with bookings in progress and a final deadline set for January. One of the top concerns raised by concertgoers: seat saving, a recurring point of contention during the busiest nights.
While no decisions were made on Monday, staff will file a report and reopen the discussion for potential voting on Dec. 19 to discuss more issues, such as blocked storefronts and crowded sidewalks.Â
The staff also placed emphasis on promoting the businesses in the horseshoe surrounding the bandstand.Â